URI to offer Film Festival immersion course this summer

Professor and assistant dean of the College of Arts and Science, Tom Zorabedian, developed the one-week course that provides experiential learning opportunities with the Rhode Island International Film Festival.

Understanding film as an art form but also a growing international business is a concept that professors are teaching today’s Harrington students. Professor and assistant dean of the College of Arts and Science, Tom Zorabedian, is basing his new summer immersion course around this principle.

Zorabedian developed a one week course around the Rhode Island International Film Festival, where he will take a group of students to Providence, RI. Students will have the option to gain 3-credits for FLM 491: Independent Study or COM 410: Advanced Topics in Communication Studies. This new and innovative course allows students to get a glimpse of the industry and the festival circuit itself. Students will get the opportunity to meet and network with filmmakers, festival organizers and industry professionals from around the world.

One of the many perks of the course is to allow students full access to films, special events, receptions, and Q&A sessions during the festival. Even though the class is based around a film festival it is not only geared towards film students, all of the Harrington School majors could benefit from this summer course.

“There are plenty of opportunities to learn about distribution, event management, marketing and journalism as well,” Zorabedian said. “Students can learn how to gather information about events, reviewing films, and international affairs.”

The Rhode Island International Film Festival is a great place to make connections with future employers and learn about the many career paths available to Harrington School students.